ᐅ Smart Home Roller Shutters / Venetian Blinds with Conventional Electrical Systems

Created on: 11 Oct 2020 13:39
A
allstar83
Hello everyone,

we are nearing the completion of the detailed planning phase and the start of construction. I’ve already gone through the whole “I want everything until I want nothing” phase regarding smart home features. By now, I would simply like to be able to operate the roller shutters and blinds via an app.

Here are the requirements:
  • Wired switches
  • Central switch for scenes
  • Control via app / possibly also remotely
  • Wind sensor is not necessary; I would prefer to control that remotely if needed. At work, this is handled with KNX, but it’s rather unsatisfactory (the shutters keep going up and down, etc.)
  • I’m not keen on “old-fashioned” controls like small displays or astro timers
What options are currently under consideration?
So far, it looks like only the Gira System 3000 with a Bluetooth module (remote control would then be difficult) is a candidate, or alternatively adding Shelly or flush-mounted actuators (e.g., Bosch, etc.).

I’ve already read and researched pretty much everything about KNX, Loxone, Hager Easy, Homematic, Somfy radio, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and similar systems. Somehow, I seem to be missing something simple or haven’t yet seen a solution that covers the above requirements.

What else is out there, or what would you recommend? Does anyone know the Gira System 3000?

Thanks very much for your experience and advice!
S
Strahleman
18 Apr 2021 18:57
Kobrakai schrieb:

At least for us, this was the most cost-effective solution compared to KNX.
I’m not a KNX expert, but shouldn’t what you listed also be possible with KNX within a similar budget? €12,000 for a wireless system seems quite steep.
Mycraft18 Apr 2021 19:49
Yes, of course, everything mentioned is possible, and even a bit more, since KNX already includes these features within a similar budget.

But to each their own.
K
Kobrakai
18 Apr 2021 21:52
Strahleman schrieb:

I'm not a KNX expert, but shouldn't what you listed be doable with KNX for a similar budget? €12,000 (about $13,000) for a wireless solution seems quite high.

I don’t know, but the experts here should know that for €10,000 (about $11,000) you don’t get a functioning KNX system, just a KNX preparation that you then upgrade later with another €10,000 to rather €15,000 (about $11,000 to $16,500). Overall, the KNX ends up costing €20,000 to €25,000 (about $22,000 to $27,500). The wiring and programming require a serious investment. At least that was the case with the quotes we received. The €12,000 includes 36 Hue spots, strips, and Philips lamps as well as complete installation. But everyone has their own preference.
Mycraft19 Apr 2021 08:25
The experts here are familiar with the real prices—not the inflated figures from general contractors, electrical contractors, and related electricians—and they know exactly what is feasible and what is not. This is because many of these experts have personally carried out and/or supervised/planned numerous installations.
Kobrakai schrieb:

should know that you can’t get a functioning KNX system for 10k, only KNX preparation, which you would then upgrade later for another 10 or rather 15k.

The experts here know perfectly well that 10k is more than sufficient to cover the basic functions you described. And what is meant by "no functioning KNX"?

KNX works as soon as you have a power supply, an actuator, and a push button/sensor, and optionally a programming interface if you want to make your own changes or carry out the commissioning. So, you can already get a functioning KNX system at home starting from about €300 (approximately $320).
Kobrakai schrieb:

In total, KNX then costs 20 rather 25k.

KNX can also cost 100k. But you can also have KNX with just 5k. It all depends on what is desired and what is installed. Usually, the appetite grows while selecting the functions and components, and once the interested parties learn what is actually possible, the numbers get higher. But it can also be done simply and economically.
Kobrakai schrieb:

The programming and wiring cost quite a bit.

That is simply not true. Programming and wiring basically cost no more than the electrician’s labor time, and a skilled electrician should be able to complete a typical house within a few days—often just hours.
Kobrakai schrieb:

The 12k also includes 36 Hue spots, strips, and Philips lamps including installation.

Granted, that can also be included within a KNX installation. It actually makes the distribution board cheaper if the homeowner wants to rely on Hue.

As I said, to each their own.

KNX does not have to be expensive. In fact, it is becoming more affordable. But if you go all out, as most people do, it is clear why the sums get bigger. It’s like buying a car: you can choose a basic model with few extras, or go for the full package.
untergasse4319 Apr 2021 10:26
Thank you. The real costs of things are quite different from the colorful prefab house catalog world with the rounded prices given by companies. Apart from Hager and Gira, there are hundreds of other manufacturers of KNX actuators that can cover the mentioned, very straightforward requirements quite affordably. If Rademacher is a satisfactory solution in this case, that’s fine! However, KNX does not always have to be the most expensive option.
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allstar83
19 Apr 2021 12:55
I was the one who started the thread. Here is some information about what I decided on:

Shelly 2.5 modules for all electronic roller shutters and venetian blinds, installed in deep wall boxes or in electrical junction boxes in the living room.

I am also planning to get a Loxone Mini-Server Go to have a nice app interface and to control the Shelly devices.

Heating, lighting, doors, ventilation, etc. were not a consideration for us regarding smart home features. Otherwise, I probably would have chosen Loxone since the electrician was familiar with it.